ALL-COUNTY FOOTBALL: Tecumseh's Pelham tabbed Defensive Player of the Year

Thursday

Nov 29, 2012 at 3:30 PM

By John KoserDaily Telegram Sports Writer

Despite a fantastic season, Preston Pelham will be the first to tell you that his success is not due to his efforts alone. The Tecumseh High School junior is always quick to point out the importance of the team.

"A lot of it was due to our dominant defensive line and our defensive scheme," said Pelham. "Our defense as a team played great all season."

Pelham dominated in his second year as a middle linebacker, finishing with a 174 tackles. Pelham helped lead the Indians to a tie for the Southeastern Conference White Division championship, their first playoff appearance since 2007 and their first playoff victory since 1991.

For his efforts, Pelham has been selected as the Lenawee County Defensive Player of the Year by The Daily Telegram sports staff.

"Preston vastly improved from his sophomore year," said Tecumseh coach Al Romano. "Last season, we lost a senior linebacker and kind of threw Preston into the fire. It turned out really well for him. He was able to take control and make all the calls for our defense. He really was our QB on the defense."

Pelham was the leader of one of the county's top defenses and helped the Indians finish with a 9-3 record. Pelham received Division 3-4 All-State honorable mention from the Associated Press.

"I feel blessed and honored to receive this award," said Pelham. "It's a huge accomplishment for me."

Pelham's most impressive performance came in the postseason against Chelsea. The Bulldogs had beaten Tecumseh earlier in the season and looked to knock them out of the playoffs. The Tecumseh defense only allowed Chelsea to gain 174 yards in the game with Pelham and Co. shutting down star running back Berkley Edwards.

Pelham finished with 17 tackles in that game and proceeded to make 17 tackles in each of the following playoff games.

"Preston has absolutely been a team leader this season," said Tecumseh defensive coordinator Todd Thieken. "He's a fierce competitor that hates to lose, even on a single play. He goes all out on every play and makes sure to do things the right way. The season he had this year is a tribute to his work ethic."

Pelham, who saw a lot of playing time as sophomore, improved this season as a middle linebacker and team leader.

"Preston had to grow up a lot as a sophomore," said Thieken. "He took over the last few games last season and worked hard in the offseason. He was always in the weight room or watching film breakdown."

While the season didn't have a perfect ending for Pelham and the rest of the Indians (a 26-246 loss to Battle Creek Harper Creek), Pelham looks at the positives.

"I thought this season went really well for us," said Pelham. "Obviously only one team is going to be happy at the end of the year. We came into this season wanting to change the culture of Tecumseh football and how people view it. I think we did that."

Pelham will return next season for the Indians, which makes his coaches very happy.

"It means a lot to the team," said Thieken. "Not only will Preston be back,, but our other two starting linebackers will be returning as well. Preston will be playing with two years of experience now, and it is huge that we won't have to reteach someone else to be the defensive signal-caller."

Pelham, who is preparing for the upcoming wrestling season, has his eyes set on next fall.

"I think we can win the SEC White again and maybe make a deep playoff run" said Pelham. "I think we can shock some people. I think that this Tecumseh football program will be at this level for years to come."

PAST WINNERS Here is a look at the county's football Defensive Player of the Year award winners since 2006.